Summary of Significant Fungal Infections in Mollusca and Crustacea

The adverse social, economic and environmental consequences of uncontrolled movement of live aquatic animals and their products have increased global awareness of the need for improved health management standards. The serious impact of unrestricted international movements of aquatic animals has led to the development of health certification and risk reduction methodologies. The increased development of shellfish aquaculture and recent advances in diagnostic techniques, along with diversification of cultured species, continue to provide a seemingly inexhaustible reserve of new or emerging infectious disease problems. Numerous species of fungi have been described from various shellfish, especially representatives of the Mollusca. Some fungi have had a serious impact on wild populations and shellfish aquaculture production. This article provides a summary of the most important agents causing fungal infections in molluscs and crustaceans.